Harper Fights to Stop Part-Time Politicians from Obtaining Perks

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – This week, in an effort to make government officials more accountable to the people they represent, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, supported a measure that would restrict part-time politicians from receiving a taxpayer funded pension.

“I want all elected officials to be held accountable to the people they represent, and that means eliminating perks for politicians who work only a few hours each week,” said Harper. “Newly elected, part-time officials who work less than 20 hours a week do not need a taxpayer funded pension. Average workers who work far longer hours do not enjoy similar benefits, and their local officials should follow that example.”

House Bill 291 is a bipartisan, fiscally responsible initiative that requires newly elected, part-time politicians to work 1,000 hours annually in order to receive a taxpayer funded pension. During these difficult times for Illinois’ economy and taxpayers, Harper believes that state and local governments need to prioritize their expenditures on critical services above politicians’ pension and life-time benefits.

“All levels of government need to establish their priorities, and my top priority is passing a fair and balanced budget that protects our most vulnerable citizens,” said Harper. “By requiring part-time officials to put in more work hours is not a big request and is not unreasonable. This is the right thing to do for our constituents.”